Murrieta Valley High Graduates Nearly 600

Murrieta Valley High School sent 582 graduates off into the world Wednesday.

As the first of three commencement ceremonies to take place in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District this week, family, friends and school officials gathered in Nighthawk Stadium under a cloudless sky to watch as diplomas were handed out to the Class of 2012.

"You are ready to soar and spread your wings, Nighthawks," said Principal Renate Jefferson.

Remembering Classmates

But before commencement exercises got underway, Jefferson presented honorary diplomas to the families of two classmates who should have graduated this year—Tiffany Breslin and Saskia Burke.

Both met untimely ends. Tiffany died in a jet ski accident the summer before she was to enter Murrieta Valley as a freshman, and Saskia was the fatal victim of an alleged stabbing just before Christmas 2011.

"This class has been marked by sadness that no family should have to endure," Jefferson said. "They will forever be in our memories."

Cole Chamberlain was also remembered. He was killed in a prom night car crash earlier this month. He had attended Murrieta Valley in his freshman and sophomore years, Jefferson said.

But there was celebration as Kaitlyn Parra, who was in a coma for several months after a pedestrian accident in fall 2011, was wheeled onto the stage to receive her diploma.

Words of Wisdom

Graduates were greeted with words of wisdom from Jefferson as well as Superintendent Stan Scheer. 

"Success always comes down to hard work and excellence," Scheer said. "It takes both to be excellent at what you do."

Scheer urged the graduates to respect their employers and put their energy into doing good work.

Jefferson reminded them it is "attitude" that counts.

"Be bold and confident," Jefferson said. "Attitude is what matters in life. Enthusiasm is the key for success."

Off to a Stellar Start

Nearly half—46 percent—of Murrieta Valley's Class of 2012 plans to attend a two-year college, and 40 percent plan to attend a four-year university.

Graduate which was started by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife. She will attend Point Loma Nazarene University.

Another 21 students received a double diploma as the school's first graduating class from the International Baccalaureate program. Only 120 schools in the world offer the program, Jefferson said.

Of the 582 graduates, 20 percent of the class was in the valedictorian circle, meaning they had cumulative GPAs between 3.5 and 3.99 for all four years. Another 8.9 percent carried GPAs of 4.0 or higher.

Valedictorian Kathryn "Katy" Clark will attend Johns Hopkins University in the fall as a pre-medical major.

The tall redhead who played three sports in high school—volleyball, track and field and basketball—told her classmates that keeping their integrity should be the most important of goals, not material success.

"In 100 years, no one will remember the house you lived in or the car you drove," Clark said, recalling a quote her grandfather instilled in her. "I believe my grandpa had it right. Remember the value of citizenship and service."

There were three salutatorians, meaning they shared the second highest GPAs.

Co-Salutatorian Ryan Ouillette served as president of the senior class and will attend Harvard University on a full scholarship.

"The world has created a specific criteria...but not everyone fits into it," Oiullette told his classmates. "...Unlock the genius in all of you. This is your opportunity to make your mark."

Co-Salutatorian Amy Cohen shared her philosophy for a successful life: "Find a sushi group. Develop a group of friends who want the best for you, and who don't judge you for eating 20 pounds of sushi."

After garnering some laughs, she thanked her parents for "financing the sushi outings."

Sarah Radi was the third salutatorian, and like all those who spoke, wished her classmates well in the future.

Thankful

Graduate Tatiana Martinez thanked AVID, a program that prepares students for college acceptance.

"AVID was my family," said Martinez, of the four years she spent at Murrieta Valley.

Martinez will attend University of California, Irvine in the fall. She told Patch she will be the first of five siblings to attend a four-year university. She plans to walk-on to the track and field team, something she participated in in high school while keeping up a 3.0 GPA.

She also expressed gratitude that her fallen classmates were remembered at graduation.

"I knew Saskia," Martinez said. "I don't think it's fair, because they should be here at graduation with us. It wasn't their fault."

Classmate Brian Mattson, a swimmer who will attend Brigham Young University in the fall, agreed.

"I knew Tiffany since kindergarten," Mattson said. "She was one of my best friends. I had a hard time when she died, so I am glad they recognized her tonight."

To see more photos of Murrieta Valley High School's Class of 2012,